Burning Desire

At Sinai, the glory of the Lord in the sight of the people below is described as a “consuming fire on top of the mountain” (Exodus 24:17). This fire is enveloped in a cloud that covers the mount. The Lord calls Moses into the cloud where he remains for forty days and nights, face to face with His radiant glory.

No doubt the response of Moses and those who witnessed the glory of the Lord was one of absolute worship. This was the reason God had drawn them out of Egypt – “Let my people go that they might serve/worship Me” (Exodus 7:16). He delights in our worship. This fact should cause us to question, personally and in our communities: Does God delight in the worship we afford Him? Does He derive joy from our praise?

Could there be a criterion for determining answers to those questions:

If one sees that one’s heart burns like a fire and that one feels spiritual enthusiasm always to worship Him and that one has a passion and a will to worship the Creator, then it is certain that God, may He be blessed, has joy from that person’s worship. …This is why it is written “and the Glory of God was as a consuming fire” – for the sign, if one wants to know if one has seen the Glory of God…is “a consuming fire,” that one’s heart burns like fire.

Others would point out that this presents a very subjective criterion as opposed to the traditional emphasis of studying God’s Word “in order to do”. This indicates that it is not only the knowledge and performance of good deeds in obedience to God’s commands that gives God pleasure; although these surely do, just as they bring a sense of satisfaction to the ‘doer’. In addition, it is the motivation of love in one’s heart and the expression of that love in worship that brings joy to the heart of God. This presupposes the understanding that God did all He did, and does all He does for us, because He is filled with a “burning” love for His people – a love that is passionate and powerful. He cares as a faithful Father cares for his children and loves as a bridegroom loves his bride.

Created over 2 years ago